Welcome to "Stay Strong" - a site devoted to sharing and inspiring "Strength" in others and in ourselves! Strength of Spirit, Strength of Mind, Strength of Soul and Strength of Body! PLEASE pass this site onto others in need of Strength and Inspiration!

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

When anxiety is welling up within you, come to Me and pour out your heart.

Then sit quietly in My Presence while I comfort you, helping you see things from My perspective.

I remind you of your heavenly destination, for you are indeed on your way to Glory!

I infuse My Joy and Peace into your heart, mind, and soul.

When you are joyful, this changes the way you view the world around you.

Even though you see much darkness, you can also see the Light of My Presence continuing to shine.

Moreover, the Joy in your soul gives you buoyancy, enabling you to rise above the countless problems in your life.

Once you have gained this perspective, you will discover that you can comfort others in the midst of their troubles.

They will find in you the consolation that you have found in Me.

Thus your Joy becomes contagious, "infecting" those around you with Joy in their souls!

From "Jesus Always" Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

"When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul."

—PSALM 94:19

"Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge."

—PSALM 62:8

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."

The LORD is on my side as my helper;

I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.

It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.

It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes."

In the first reading today from Sirach 17, we read "To the penitent God provides a way back."

Notice that it is a two-way street.

We must first be penitent for God to provide the way back.

Today's Gospel reading is the Markan version of the rich young man.

You know the story. Young guy asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus says, "Go, sell all that you have and give to the poor. Then come, follow me." Rich young man goes away sad, for he had many possessions.

But this is not the end of the story.

Jesus then tells the disciples that it is hard for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven.

The disciples are amazed by this. After all, if one was rich, then they were being favored by God.

So they ask Jesus, "Then who can be saved."

And Jesus replies, "For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God."

Do you believe this?

I mean REALLY believe it?

Do you believe that God is big enough to handle anything in your life?

A failed relationship?

A lost job?

Financial ruin?

Ill health?

Or are these things so big to you that you feel as though even God cannot handle them?

At some point, we must take Jesus at His word.

When a solution seems impossible, remember the words of our Lord.

All things are possible with God!!!!

Father, we believe that you are big enough to handle whatever life throws at us. Teach us to cast all of our cares on you.

Tuesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary TimeLectionary: 342

"My son, when you come to serve the LORD,stand in justice and fear,prepare yourself for trials.

Be sincere of heart and steadfast,incline your ear and receive the word of understanding,undisturbed in time of adversity.

Wait on God, with patience, cling to him, forsake him not;thus will you be wise in all your ways.

Accept whatever befalls you,when sorrowful, be steadfast,and in crushing misfortune be patient;For in fire gold and silver are tested,and worthy people in the crucible of humiliation.

Trust God and God will help you;trust in him, and he will direct your way;keep his fear and grow old therein.

You who fear the LORD, wait for his mercy,turn not away lest you fall.You who fear the LORD, trust him,and your reward will not be lost.You who fear the LORD, hope for good things,for lasting joy and mercy.You who fear the LORD, love him,and your hearts will be enlightened.

Study the generations long past and understand;has anyone hoped in the LORD and been disappointed?

Has anyone persevered in his commandments and been forsaken?

Has anyone called upon him and been rebuffed?

Compassionate and merciful is the LORD;he forgives sins, he saves in time of troubleand he is a protector to all who seek him in truth."

Thursday, February 9, 2017

Please take an extra moment to read today's post carefully as I believe it is truly a remarkable and powerful Promise and reminder for us all!

I know many people are struggling with the inevitable trials and challenges that come with living life on this earth and we can often feel alone and overwhelmed by the events of each day.

However, we must remember in Faith that we are NEVER alone or in danger when we understand the promises and gifts that our faith provides to all of us!

All we have to do is Believe, Trust and Ask in order to receive all the backup and help we need to take on ANY challenge or trial in our lives!

This is the Promise of our Faith!

Trust in it!

Remember, no matter how bad you think you have it, you can throw a rock and hit someone whose cross is 1000 times more difficult to bear than ours today!

Put it all in perspective.

Count your blessings because they are so numerous and always remember that someone you encounter today would trade their life for yours in a heartbeat - and you wouldn't want to make that trade!

God bless and Stay Strong!!

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WHEN THE JOURNEY YOU ARE ON FEELS OVERWHELMING, THE VERY BEST THING YOU CAN DO IS CLING TO ME.

At such times the future seems unreal—unreachable—and the past feels remote, but this can actually be a blessing.

My followers tend to waste vast quantities of time and energy thinking about past and future matters.

Thus they neglect the present—where they actually live—and My Presence, though I am always near.

When adverse circumstances surround you and seem to be closing in on you, it is still possible to be joyful in Me, your Savior.

Since you cannot find a way out of your circumstances, accept the situation and search for Me in the midst of it.

Sometimes you may feel as if you can hold on to Me no longer.

I remind you, though, that you have been able to cling to Me to this day.

You have powerful backup because the Holy Spirit lives in you.

He can give you supernatural strength, far beyond your own.

In addition to this, My hand has an eternal grip on yours.

Though your strength to keep holding on may run out, Mine never will.

From " Jesus Lives " by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

"So do not fear, for I—your God—am with you. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. But cling to the Lord your God as you have done to this day." JOSHUA 23:8 AMP

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.' HABAKKUK 3:17–18

"My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me." PSALM 63:8

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." ----- ISAIAH 41:10

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

"After everyone was full, Jesus told his disciples, 'Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted.'" (John 6:12, NLT)

The Bible tells of a time when Jesus fed a crowd of five thousand families with only five loaves of bread and two fish.

That day, everyone had more than enough to eat, and there were still twelve baskets full of bread leftover.

That's because we serve a God of abundance!

When Jesus told the disciples to collect all of the leftovers, He said to do it "so that nothing is wasted."

With God, nothing is ever wasted.

He'll never waste an experience;

He'll never waste a hurt;

He'll never waste a dream;

He'll never waste even a single piece of bread.

If you've felt like you've wasted years of your life in the wrong job, hanging around the wrong people, doing the wrong things, God will gather those years and restore them back to you.

He'll take those experiences that the enemy meant for your harm and turn them around for your good.

He'll make you stronger, wiser and better off than you were before.

He can launch you further into your destiny than before.

Be encouraged today because with God, all things ARE POSSIBLE and nothing is ever wasted!

A Prayer for Today "Father, I give You every bit of my life, my past, my present and my future. Thank You for taking every experience in my life and turning it around for my good. I know that with You, nothing is ever wasted in Jesus' name. Amen."

Sunday, February 5, 2017

Today's First Reading struck me as a tremendous and ancient reminder for us all in times of doubt, confusion, or trial!

We always hear that in order to beat our own worries and fears we ought to seek to help OTHERS solve theirs, and here in this Old Testament reading we see that sentiment and the answer to our issues expressed clearly!

No shortage of hard advice dispensed by Isaiah in this one! :)

Stay Strong!

(Let's Go Pats!)

"Thus says the Lord: share your bread with the hungry,/ shelter the oppressed and the homeless,/clothe the naked when you see them:/ and do not turn your back on your own./

Then your light shall Break Forth like the dawn./ and your wound shall quickly be healed./ your vindication shall go before you./ and the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. /

Then you shall call and the Lord will answer,/ you shall cry for help, and he will say:

Here I am!

If you remove from your midst oppression, false accusation and malicious speech;/ if you bestow your bread on the hungry/ and satisfy The afflicted;/ then light shall rise for you in the darkness, and the Gloom shall become for you like midday.

Thursday, February 2, 2017

"That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers."(Psalm 1:3, NIV)

Whatever You Do Will Prosper

God's plan is for you to prosper and be successful in every area of your life.

Some people might say, "I don't see how you can say that with the economy like it is. All the experts are saying it's going to get worse before it gets better."

That may be true in general, but it doesn't have to be true for believers in Jesus.

We are connected to a supply line that will never run dry.

Don't be talked in to having a bad year.

The economy is not your source. God is your source, and He wants to bless you beyond your normal income.

He likes to do unusual things.

He can bless you with an explosive blessing!

That means, all of the sudden, unexpectedly, something happens that takes you to a new level.

Old limitations are broken, and suddenly, you find yourself further than you ever dreamed!

The key is found in Psalm 1:1–2.

We have to separate ourselves from the system of the world and set our heart and mind on the Word of God.

When you meditate on His promises and follow His commands, you will experience these explosive blessings.

When you put Him first, you will be strong and stable, and whatever you do will prosper!

A Prayer for Today

"Father, thank You for Your Word which lights my path and directs my heart. I submit every area to You and put You first always. Teach me Your ways so I can walk with You and experience every blessing You have in store for me in Jesus' name. Amen."

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

rather look at them with full hope that, as they arise, God, whose you are, will deliver you out of them.

He is your Keeper.

He has kept you hitherto.

Will you but hold fast to His dear hand, and He will lead you safely through all things; and, when you cannot stand, He will bear you in His arms.

Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow.

Our Father will either shield you from suffering, or He will give you strength to bear it."

- St Francis De Sales

I absolutely love this passage!!

If we believe this and take it as truth - or better yet, even if we are skeptical and not all the way there yet but willing to give it a try - how can any one of us have an ounce of fear, worry, anxiety or a lack of Peace about anything in our lives?

It is akin and as close to a "Guarantee" that we will receive in this life!

It is His Promise!!

If you were "guaranteed" that at the end of all our struggles, troubles, and daily strifes that it would all be ok and everything would work out for the best, would that change what you think of and spend your time thinking about?

Would that make a difference in how you wake up or go to bed?

Would it make a difference in your peace, your joy, or your attitude?

Would believing in this promise alter how you approach problems and deal with setbacks, live your life, and interact with people?

Would it change how you are handing a current battle or storm - be it illness, divorce, unemployment, grief, personal relationship strife, etc??

How great and easier would life be if we KNEW we had this type of guarantee??

What would your mind and thoughts consist of when all the worry, uncertainty and fear vanish in an instant?

Well, this is no infomercial but that guarantee exists TODAY!!!!

It is not in writing or in a legal contract anywhere and we really don't have a "Tripadvisor" review site to check it's legitimacy.

However, our fatih tells us it does truly exist and it is real and all we need do is take that Leap of Faith and BELIEVE for it to take hold!

Get your STAY STRONG T-SHIRT!!

These ten great inspirational sayings about life come from diverse cultures and times. These sayings of inspiration represent the thread of enlightenment and compassion that has always run through the greatest among us, and are, to me, the best of the best.

This above all, to thine own self be true.- William Shakespeare

Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.- Confucius

Happiness depends upon ourselves.- Aristotle

A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.- Lao Tsu

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.- Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama

All things share the same breath - the beast, the tree, the man... the air shares its spirit with all the life it supports.- Chief Seattle

Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of man.- Rabindranath Tagore

Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.- St Francis of Assisi

There are no facts, only interpretations.- Friedrich Nietzsche

There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.- Albert Einstein

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got a hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.- George Bernard Shaw

We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned,so as to have the life that is waiting for us. The old skin has to be shed before the new one can come.- Joseph Campbell

The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.- Joseph Campbell

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.- Helen Keller

Life is an exciting business, and most exciting when it is lived for others.- Helen Keller

Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood.- Helen Keller

Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance. - Anonymous

Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.- Confucius

Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.- Marie Curie

Life is a long lesson in humility.- James M. Barrie

Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact.- William James

Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans.- John Lennon

No one knows what he can do until he tries.- Publilius Syrus

As we light a path for others, we naturally light our own way.- Mary Anne Radmacher

There are no facts, only interpretations.- Friedrich Nietzsche

The purpose of our lives is to be happy.- Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama

I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.- Rabindranath Tagore

To go against the dominant thinking of your friends, of most of the people you see every day, is perhaps the most difficult act of heroism you can perform.- Theodore H. White

Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass... It's about learning how to dance in the rain.- Vivian Green

I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you.I love you not only for what you have made of yourself, but for what you are making of me. I love you for that part of me you bring out.- Roy Croft

I love you when you bow in your mosque, kneel in your temple, pray in your church. For you and I are sons of one religion, and it is the Spirit.- Kahlil Gibran

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Where there is great love there are always miracles.- Willa Cather

Lord, grant that I might not so much seek to be loved as to love.- St. Francis of Assisi